The Association for Information and Communication Technology on Local Content (ICTLOCA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) have partnered to promote data protection and local content in Nigeria’s ICT sector.

The two organisations will work together to develop and implement programmes and initiatives that will help Nigerian businesses and organisations comply with Nigeria’s Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) and promote the use of local ICT products and services.

President of the Governing Board, Gbolahan Awonuga, said: “We are excited to partner with the NDPC to promote data protection and local content in Nigeria’s ICT sector.

“Data protection is essential for building trust and confidence in the digital economy, and local content is essential for growing Nigeria’s ICT sector and creating jobs.”

Responding, National Commissioner, NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, said: “The NDPC is committed to working with stakeholders across the ICT sector to promote data protection and local content.

“Our partnership with ICTLOCA will help us to reach more businesses and organisations and to provide them with the resources and support they need to comply with the NDPR and to use local ICT products and services.”

The specific areas of collaboration between ICTLOCA and the NDPC include: developing educational and training programs on data protection and local content for Nigerian businesses and organizations; providing technical assistance to Nigerian businesses and organisations to help them comply with the NDPR; promoting the use of local ICT products and services through government procurement policies and other initiatives; advocating for the development of a strong data protection ecosystem in Nigeria and using local Data Centres in Nigeria to store data.